When you think of cicadas, the first thing that likely comes to mind is that they emerge in 13-year or 17-year cycles and that they love to scream to find love. Though their mating call may not be unique — frogs, birds, and even howler monkeys have loud mating calls — a unique trait of cicadas is their ability to keep their wings clean. These wing-cleaning traits have inspired scientists to develop technology to keep our surfaces clear of dust, frost, and even bacteria.
How Cicadas Clean Their Wings
Though it’s impossible to see with the naked eye, cicada wings are made up of tiny, waxy cones called nanopillars. These cones help water, such as morning dew, gather on their wings and roll off, taking dust and debris with it.
